All articles tagged with #naval drills
Taiwan has criticized Beijing’s plan to hold joint navy exercises with Indonesia east of Taiwan, calling it dangerous and a challenge to the regional status quo, while China says the drills will focus on communication and at-sea resupply to boost joint capabilities; Indonesia’s involvement signals closer security ties with Beijing and could complicate Southeast Asian dynamics amid broader maritime disputes.
The United States accuses South Africa of defying government orders by allowing Iranian warships to stay for the Brics+-led naval exercise near Cape Town, prompting Pretoria to launch an inquiry. Washington says the participation undermines maritime security and signals an alignment with Iran amid Iran’s crackdown protests, while SA insists it is following official instructions. Brics+ has expanded with Iran and other members, reshaping regional and global dynamics.
Chinese, Russian, and Iranian warships have arrived in South Africa for a week of naval exercises amid heightened geopolitical tensions following US military actions in Venezuela and sanctions on oil tankers, with the drills aimed at safeguarding shipping lanes and regional stability.
China, Russia, and Iran have sent ships to South Africa for naval exercises called Will for Peace 2026, involving Brics Plus nations, amid rising tensions over US military actions and expanding alliances. The exercises include joint maritime safety operations, but Iran's participation has raised concerns among Western critics, highlighting shifting geopolitical alliances and South Africa's balancing act in a complex international landscape.
Iran is conducting extensive naval drills in the northern Indian Ocean and Sea of Oman, drawing on recent combat experiences including the 12-day war with Israel, to enhance its defensive and offensive capabilities with a focus on deterrence and readiness.
China and Russia have commenced joint naval exercises in southern China, shortly after NATO labeled Beijing a "decisive enabler" of Russia's war in Ukraine. The drills, which will last until mid-July, aim to showcase the navies' capabilities in addressing security threats. This move follows recent tensions between China and NATO, with China accusing NATO of seeking security at others' expense and urging the alliance not to bring "chaos" to Asia.
China and Russia have commenced joint naval exercises in southern China, involving anti-missile, sea strike, and air defense drills. This comes shortly after NATO labeled China a "decisive enabler" of Russia's war in Ukraine, highlighting growing security concerns among NATO members about the China-Russia alliance. China maintains that the drills are not targeted at any third party and has criticized NATO for seeking security at the expense of others.
China and Pakistan have commenced their largest-ever joint naval drills, known as Sea Guardian-3, aimed at enhancing their capabilities in safeguarding strategic sea lanes and regional peace and stability. The nine-day exercise in the northern Arabian Sea involves the participation of Chinese and Pakistani naval forces, including guided missile destroyers, submarines, and marines. The drills will focus on various training courses, such as formation maneuvering, search and rescue, anti-submarine operations, and professional exchanges. The exercises serve to strengthen the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between China and Pakistan and contribute to the security of the Indian Ocean region.
The Philippines, along with allies from Britain, Canada, Japan, and the United States, have commenced two weeks of joint naval exercises in Philippine waters as a "show of force" amid escalating regional tension. The drills come after China's recent move to block Philippine fishermen from the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. The exercises, named "Sama Sama," will focus on areas such as anti-submarine warfare, air defense, and search and rescue. The participation of multiple nations aims to demonstrate a shared commitment to security and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
Russia conducted naval drills in the Chukchi and Bering Seas, firing cruise missiles at mock targets to protect its northern shipping route in the Arctic. The exercise involved land-, ship-, and submarine-launched missiles, with approximately 10,000 military personnel participating. Russia aims to demonstrate its ability to project force in the Arctic and plans to invest nearly $30 billion by 2035 in developing the northern sea route.
Major naval drills in the Baltic Sea involving NATO countries, Sweden, and non-Baltic allies will focus on practicing how to respond to a potential Russian assault in the region. The two-week exercise, called Northern Coasts, will involve over 30 ships and more than 3,000 service members. The drills will include amphibious operations, strikes from sea to land, and securing sea routes. Germany's navy chief emphasized the importance of maintaining maritime supply routes through the Baltic Sea, particularly the Suwalki Gap, which connects the Baltic states to Poland and NATO's main territory in Europe. Germany aims to provide its new maritime headquarters in Rostock as a regional maritime headquarters for NATO operations in the Baltic Sea.
Russia has announced the start of naval exercises in the Baltic Sea, involving 30 warships, 20 support vessels, and 6,000 military personnel. The drills aim to practice protecting sea lanes, transporting troops and military cargo, and defending the coastline. This comes amid rising tensions with European neighbors over the conflict in Ukraine, with the Russian Navy playing a significant role in the assault on Ukraine using ship- and submarine-launched cruise missiles.
China has dispatched navy ships to participate in joint exercises with Russia's sea forces, signaling its continued support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Despite claiming neutrality in the conflict, China has accused the US and its allies of provoking Russia and maintained strong economic and diplomatic ties with Moscow. The exercises involve more than 10 ships and 30-plus aircraft and focus on ship-to-ship communications, maneuvering in formation, and maritime search and rescue. China operates the world's largest navy and has been conducting joint exercises with Russia since the Ukraine conflict began.
China and Russia are set to hold joint naval drills in the Sea of Japan, aimed at safeguarding strategic maritime routes. This comes as part of the growing defense cooperation between the two countries, with China sending five warships, including a guided-missile destroyer, for the exercises. China and Russia have been strengthening their ties since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with China being seen as Moscow's most important ally.
Russia has started naval drills in the Baltic Sea, with up to 40 ships and boats, 25 aircraft and around 3,500 personnel participating, one day after NATO member states began their annual Baltic drills. Moscow also began drills in the Sea of Japan and far eastern Sea of Okhotsk on Monday, which will involve over 60 warships and support vessels from its Pacific Fleet.